Automotive
Toyota launches updated bZ5 electric SUV in China with steep price cuts
FAW-Toyota refreshed the bZ5 to boost sluggish sales, offering advanced driver-assist tech and pricing far below the Tesla Model Y.
The short version
- FAW-Toyota released the updated 2027 bZ5 electric SUV in China, starting at a regular price of 129,800 yuan ($19,500) and a limited-time price of 109,800 yuan ($16,500).
- The vehicle features BYD Blade batteries, up to 630 km of range, and Momenta 6.0 intelligent driving software paired with roof-mounted LiDAR.
- The pricing strategy comes after monthly bZ5 sales in China fell 64% year-over-year in July to 529 units.
- The bZ5 is manufactured in China and is not available in the United States.
Key facts
- FAW-Toyota launched the refreshed 2027 bZ5 electric SUV in China, with regular pricing ranging from 129,800 yuan ($19,500) to 199,800 yuan ($30,000).[Electrek]
- The updated bZ5 regular starting price is roughly half that of a base Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive in China, which starts at 263,500 yuan ($39,200).[Electrek]
- The 2027 bZ5 utilizes BYD Blade batteries in 65.28 kWh and 73.98 kWh capacities, yielding CLTC ranges of 550 km and 630 km, respectively.[Electrek]
- The vehicle is equipped with a single 268-horsepower front motor and Momenta 6.0 driving assistance software supported by 544 TOPS of computing power and roof-mounted LiDAR.[Electrek]
- FAW-Toyota bZ5 sales in China dropped to 529 units last month, down 64% compared to July 2025.[Electrek]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown whether the price reductions and software upgrades will successfully revive bZ5 sales in China's competitive EV market.[Electrek]